LIBERTY — A wonderful lunch was served at Sarlin Community Library on Thursday, Jan. 21, as members of the Culinary Book Club used recipes from the library book “Soup” to prepare delightful soups that were enjoyed by members and guests.[cointent_lockedcontent]

Kristy Williams demonstrates making lemon-ginger honey.

“We are so lucky to have such a wonderful supply of cookbooks old and new,” culinary member Lynn Baker said. “It is fun to find new dishes to prepare and a joy to rediscover old favorites.”

A book is chosen each month by members of the club with help from the library staff. The cookbook stays in the library, and members are allowed to pick a recipe from the book and have it copied by one of the staff members. The book remains in the library on hold for the month so all members have access to it.

“Everyone seems to enjoy the process,” library manager Kasey Swords said.

There is always a wide selection of different things to try, and it sure makes the library smell good. Several patrons have become interested in the club because of the wonderful aromas and all the fun the members seem to have. Cooks range in age from 9 to 90.

“You don’t have to be a cook,” member Mel Avery said. “Some of the fun is describing what you have cooked, what you goofed up while doing it, and how you saved it. Each member relates something about their dish, if nothing more than how they picked the recipe. Some of our cooks are long-time cooks, some fairly new, and one young man blogs about his recipes. It makes for great fun.”

This month the club enjoyed hands-on learning with members Kristy Williams and her 9-year-old son. They led a demonstration that involved all the club members.

“Lemon-ginger honey is a great addition to your medicine cabinet, using local honey and organic produce,” Williams said.

Each participant went home with a mason jar of a natural health concoction to be used to ward off colds and sore throats.

“The combination of local honey, lemon and fresh ginger looked lovely, smelled wonderful and tasted delicious,” said Lisa Carpenter. “It is wonderful in hot tea.”

The Culinary Club usually meets on the third Thursday of the month at noon in the conference room of the library. Next month it will meet on the third Tuesday due to tax helpers working in the conference with local citizens. All are welcome.

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